Genetic characterization of maize doubled haploid lines for Fusarium stalk rot caused by Fusarium verticillioides

Fusarium stalk rot disease (FSR) of maize caused by Fusarium verticillioides (Sacc.) Nirenberg is becoming an important biotic production constraint in many of the major maize growing areas causing substantial yield losses. Inbreds are preferred as parents in hybrid development owing to homozygous nature and high heterotic ability. Double haploid (DH) technology has emerged as a significant milestone. A total of 339 DH lines were generated from two inbred lines, VL1043 (susceptible) and CM212 (resistant), through in vivo haploid induction method. The 339 DH lines along with parents were phenotyped for their response to the FSR at the College of Agriculture, V. C. Farm, Mandya, India during summer, kharif and rabi seasons of the 2019–2020. Best linear unbiased predictors (BLUPs) were estimated for the FSR disease scores over three seasons. A wide range of BLUP scores of three to nine indicated the presence of higher variation for response of DH lines to FSR disease. The higher estimates of standardized range (1.31) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (19.80) also displayed higher variability. Nine lines were moderately resistant and 188 exhibited moderately susceptible reaction. The distribution of DH lines was positively skewed (1.34) and platykurtic (2.31) which suggested complementary epistasis and involvement of large number of genes in the disease expression.

Assessment of Acidogenicity of Commercially Available Biscuits on Salivary pH - An in vivo Study

Saliva is a complex secretion consisting of 99% of water and remaining 1% of organic andinorganic molecules. Sucrose and starches are the predominant dietary carbohydrates in modernsocieties.Among all thefoods consumed by children, chocolates and biscuits are the mostcommon. Therefore this present invivo study was conducted to assess the acidogeniceffect ofcommercially available biscuits on salivary pH among 10 to 15 years old children. Study Designused in the study was In Vivo clinical study (Pilot Trail). The population collected in the survey waschildren between the age group of 10-15 yearsold children. 4 Groups were considered and 10 ineach group. Group 1: Hide and Seek, Group 2: Good Day, Group 3: Dream and Cream, Group 4:Oreo. Sampling method used in the study was conducted as simple random sampling. Ethicalapproval of the study was obtained from Saveetha Institutional Review Board. Informed consent ofthe children were obtained from the parents. Descriptive statistics were expressed by means ofmean and standard deviation. Shapiro Wilks test used to test the normality of the data set.KruskalWallis test was used to find the difference in mean Salivary pH between the groups and within the groups at Baseline, Immediate and after 15min, 30 mins. A statistically significant difference inmean Salivary pH was observed between the groups at Immediate and after 30 mins(p<0.05). Themean Salivary pH was significantly dropped in Oreo, Dream cream and Hide & Seek groups atvarious time-periods. Based on the results of the present study, it can be concluded that maximumdrop in mean salivary pHwas observed in Group IV followed by Group II and Group I. It wasobserved that in all the groups, the pH gradually got back to near normal levels due to the bufferingmechanism of saliva

Identification of QTLs in oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) using SSR markers through association mapping

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) is a perennial vegetable and a high oil-yielding crop (4–6 t/ha). There is a large scope for increasing the oil yield by selecting elite planting material for breeding programme in germplasm evaluation, characterization and utilization. In the present study, a diverse range of 150 oil palm genotypes were characterized using 12 quantitative variables with 54 genomic microsatellite markers. A wide variation was observed in the morphological traits among indigenous populations. Highly significant and positive correlations were observed between vegetative dry matter (VDM) and total dry matter (TDM) (0.862), and height and height increment (0.838). The first two principal component analyses explained 67.7% of total variation among morphological traits. The genotypes IC0610001-59 (Pune-2) and IC0610001-60 (Pune-2) were found highly promising based on less height increment, more TDM with high yield. For the mapping study, general linear model (GLM) approach, quantitative-trait loci (QTL) for annual height increment, number of bunches, bunch yield and bunch index were linked to simple-sequence repeat (SSR) loci mEgCIR3649 with phenotypic variance of 15.08, 10.43, 11.74, 15.39. TDM and VDM were linked to mEgCIR0192 (27.34 and 24.19%), mEgCIR3684 (16.84 and 18.30%), SPSC00163 (18.8 and 15.39%) and mEgCIR0555 (16.47 and 18.81%), with at a significant threshold (P) level of B0.001 and by mixed linear model (MLM) approach. TDM was linked to mEgCIR0555 with phenotypic variance of 20.72%, bunch yield and bunch index were linked to mEgCIR2813 at phenotypic variance of 17.11% and 12.88%, respectively, at a significant threshold (P) level of B0.01.

A novel analytical liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method for the estimation of Ribavirin in bulk and pharmaceutical formulation

The aim of this study is to develop and validate a method that is simple, precise, sensitive, and rapid compared tousing the liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method for the quantitative determination of Ribavirin(antiviral drug) in its tablet formulation. The development and validation of the method were achieved using a column(Zorbax 50 mm × 4.6 mm × 5 µm) with mobile phase ammonium formate (pH: 7.50): acetonitrile in the ratio (30:70,v/v) with the flow rate of 0.5 ml/min. The retention time for Ribavirin was 1.1 minutes with the total run time of2.5 minutes. The linearity range for Ribavirin was from 2 to 100 ng/ml with a correlation coefficient of 0.9956. Thedetection and quantitation limits of Ribavirin are 0.7 and 2 ng/ml, respectively. The percentage recovery of Ribavirinranged from 94.00% to 98.33%. The percentage relative standard deviation for intraday and interday precision resultswas found to be 0.67%–2.11% and 1.92%–3.11%, respectively. The new method developed for Ribavirin drug wasfound to be rapid, sensitive, selective, and economical. The established method was the evaluation of Ribavirin in itsmarketed formulation (tablet). The values obtained from the analysis were found out to be within the acceptable limitsas per the International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) guidelines.

p16 as an independent marker for detection of high-risk HPV in oral submucous fibrosis and oral squamous cell carcinoma

Background: An alarming increase in incidence of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) positive tumors in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) by 25% and 70% in oropharyngeal HNSCC cannot be ignored. The early oncogenes of HPV, E6, and E7 play a key role in carcinogenesis. HPV associated tumors have a better clinical outcome and a favorable prognosis. The p16 expression has high concordance with other methods of HPV detection, ascertaining p16 as a surrogate marker for HPV. Objective: To assess the immunohistochemical expression of p16 in oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) with and without coexistent OSF as a marker for high-risk HPV detection. Materials and Methods: Tissue blocks of 70 cases including normal, OSF, OSCC with and without OSF were subjected to IHC staining with a p16INK4A monoclonal antibody. (Biogenex, San Roman). The p16 expression was noted according to percent positivity and pattern. The data were tabulated, statistically analyzed using the Chi-square test and the P value was assessed. Results: The percentage of p16 positive cells raised from normal to OSF to OSCC with and without OSF. In addition, a shift from nuclear to cytoplasmic expression from normal to OSCC was noted with a statistical significance (P < 0.001). However, no statistical significance was established with any clinicopathologic parameters except age (P = 0.012) and habits (P= 0.023). Conclusion: The presence of HPV using p16 was not detected in OSF but was positive in OSCC. Altered pattern of expression from normal to OSF to OSCC indicates promising use of p16 as a diagnostic marker.

Dynamics of the occurrence of influenza in relation to seasonal variation in Chennai, Tamil Nadu: A 7 -year cumulative study

Background: Influenza viruses have emerged as virulent pathogens causing considerable burden across the world. A thorough understanding of the pattern in occurrence of influenza globally is the need of hour. The present study deals with analysis of the dynamics of Influenza virus, especially the influence of seasonal change on viral circulation and causation of epidemics/pandemics in the context of subtropical region. Methods: During the 7 year (2009–2015) study, 36670 specimens were subjected to influenza analysis. Nasopharyngeal swabs collected from suspected patients from Chennai, Tamil Nadu, were tested and typed by real-time polymerase chain reaction assay. Results: During 2009 pandemic, among influenza A positives 95.16% were Apdm09, indicating that there was a predominant circulation of Apdm09. During postpandemic period, there were waves in the occurrence of Apdm09 which indicates fall in immunity with buildup in the susceptible population. Conclusion: In Chennai, Tamil Nadu, influenza positivity started with the onset of monsoon and peaks during the postmonsoon months throughout the study period. The assessment of meteorological factors compounding influenza activity can help in raising alerts to the public health officials of impending disaster which suggests that Influenza vaccination can be initiated before monsoon months in South India.

Rare Origin of Accessory Left Gastric Artery from Splenic Artery and Its Clinical Significance: A Case Report

During routine dissection of abdomen an accessory leftgastric artery was found arising from the splenic arteryin one out of 30 adult formalin fixed cadavers in theDepartment of Anatomy, Kasturba Medical CollegeManipal. The origin of left gastric artery was normal.The accessory artery was running upwards behind usualleft gastric artery and run along lesser curvature of thestomach and also gave oesophageal branch supplyingthe lower part of esophagus. Before attempting anysurgical procedure on stomach or lower end ofoesophagus, preoperative evaluation of the arterialpattern and variations is desirable for correct surgicalapproach and to reduce postoperative complications.However, accessory left gastric origin from splenicartery becomes important to be noted when the patientundergoes angiography for diagnostic bleeding orduring trans catheter therapy. Knowledge about thesevariations is also important to be noted prior to surgeryin order to prevent postoperative complications whichwould be fatal.

A Study To Assess The Abo Blood Group Antigen Phenotype And Gene Distribution Among Blood Donors At A Tertiary Care Research Institute In South India

ABO blood group antigens form the basis of current blood transfusion practice and their prevalence among blood donors can provide a glimpse into the population distribution of ABO genes and hence this study was undertaken to assess the ABO antigen phenotype prevalence and ABO gene prevalence among blood donors at a tertiary care teaching research Institute in South India. A total of 49,279 donors have been checked for their ABO blood group. The O, A, B, AB blood group prevalence were 42, 20, 32, 6 percent respectively while the O, A, B gene frequencies were 65, 14, 21 percent respectively.

Development and Validation of a Stability Indicating HPLC Method for the Simultaneous Analysis of Esomeprazole and Itopride in Bulk and In Capsules.

A rapid, simple, selective, precise, and accurate stability indicating HPLC method has been developed and validated for the simultaneous analysis of esomeprazole and itopride in bulk and in capsule form. An isocratic separation was achieved using a Hypersil C4 (250 x 4.6 mm), 5 μm particle size column with a flow rate of 1 mL/min and photodiode array detector at 272 nm. The mobile phase consisted of 0.1M dipotassium hydrogen phosphate: acetonitrile (40:60 v/v). The method was validated for selectivity, specificity, linearity, precision, accuracy and robustness. The selectivity of the method was determined by assessing interference from the placebo, components of mobile phase and common excipients in pharmaceutical formulations. Whereas, specificity was established by stress degradation studies. The method was linear over the concentration range 40–120 μg/mL (R2 = 0.9999) and 150-450 μg/mL (R2 = 0.9999) for esomeprazole and itopride, respectively. Limit of detection is 0.207 and 0.724 μg/mL & Limit of quantitation is 0.691 and 2.415 μg/mL for esomeprazole and itopride, respectively. The precision and accuracy of the method was found to be acceptable. The method was found to be robust and suitable for the simultaneous analysis of esomeprazole and itopride in a capsule formulation. Degradation products resulting from the stress studies did not interfere with the detection and quantification of esomeprazole and itopride. The proposed HPLC method is thus stability-indicating.

Hypoglycemia due to 3b-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase type II Deficiency in a Newborn.

Background: 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type II deficiency results in decreased production of all three groups of adrenal steroids. Recurrent hypoglycemia as a presenting feature of this disorder has not been reported earlier. Case characteristics: A genotypically and phenotypically normal female newborn delivered by in-vitro fertilization presenting with recurrent hypoglycemia. Primary adrenal insufficiency with insignificant mineralocorticoid deficiency and slightly elevated levels of 17-hydro-xyprogesterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate and testosterone. Outcome: Successfully managed only with corticosteroid replacement. Message: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia can rarely cause recurrent hypoglycemia in newborns.

Isolation & molecular characterization of human parainfluenza virus in Chennai, India.

Background & objectives: Human parainfluenza virus (HPIV) accounts for a significant proportion of lower respiratory tract infections in children as well as adults. This study was done to detect the presence of different subtypes of HPIV from patients having influenza like illness (ILI). Methods: Throat and nasal swabs from 232 patients with ILI who were negative for influenza viruses were tested by multiplex reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(mRT-PCR) for the detection of human parainfluenza virus. All samples were inoculated in rhesus monkey kidney (LLC-MK2) cell line. Results: Of the 232 samples, 26(11.2%) were positive by mRT-PCR and nine (34.6%) showed cytopathic effect with syncytium formation for HPIV and all were HPIV-3 serotype, other serotypes like 1,2,4 were negative. The HPIV-3 strains (HN gene) were sequenced and analysed. Two novel mutations were identified at amino acid residues 295 and 297. Interpretation & conclusions: The mRT-PCR assay offers a rapid, sensitive and accurate diagnostic method for detection of HPIV which enables early detection and control. In our study there was a predominance of HPIV among 1-5 yr age group and the school going age group was less affected. Further studies need to be done to characterize HPIV isolated from different parts of the country.

Critical Review of Public Health Interventions in Diabetic Retinopathy: Challenges for Karnataka.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a chronic complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), and its prevention is related to the duration as well as control of DM. The prevalence of diabetes has reached a pandemic proportion which is mostly attributed to rapid lifestyle transitions and by a narrowing in the urban-rural divide in living conditions. In another 15 years, nearly one-fifth of the world’s diabetic population will be in India. This will increase the prevalence of DR-related eye disease that can potentially cause blindness in younger people. Since DM and DR is a public health problem, its management requires public health approaches. This article reviews the various challenges in implementing public health interventions in preventing DR-related blindness.

Stress effect on neurons of cingulate gyrus in postweaned albino mice - A histological study.

Stress is a common experience of daily life and all organisms have evolved mechanisms and strategies to deal with crucial alterations in their internal and external environment. Events early in post- weaning life influence brain development and subsequent adult behaviour. This study was conducted to observe neurodegeneration in normal and stressed condition in Postweaning age group of miceExperiments were conducted to investigate the effect of restraint stress and foot shock stress applied for 5 days (short duration) and 21 days (long duration). BALB/ C strain of Albino mice were used. In restraint stress, animals were restrained for 6 hours daily in a restraining device. In foot shock group, animals were given intermittent electric foot shock for 3 hours daily in an electric foot shock apparatus. Animal were sacrificed at the end of stress exposure period along with their age matched control mice and the brains were processed for histological examination both in control and experimental groups. Numbers of v Rao MK, Sushma RK. Stress effect on neurons of cingulate gyrus in study. IAIM, 2015; 2(7): 30-35. - A histological , B2*, Antony Sylvan , SD4, Mohandas Rao K5, Sushma RK Anatomy, Kasturba Medical College, Ma Associate Anatomy, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Anatomy, Kasturba Medical College, Ma Associate Physiology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal, Integrated Medicine, Vol. 2, Issue 7, July Copy right © 2015, IAIM, All Rights Reserved. Available online at http://iaimjournal.com/ ISSN: 2394-0026 (P) ISSN: 2394-0034 (O) 16-06-2015 Accepted on: 24 Nil Conflict of interest: Events early in post adult behaviour. This study was conducted t hours daily in an electric foot shock viable neurons in the cingulate gyrus regions were counted. The data were analysed between the groups. Results of the study revealed neurodegenerative changes in the stressed group compared to control in both the experimental groups. Severe neurodegenerative changes were observed on prolonged exposure to stress.

Anesthetic Management in an Established Case of Anterior Spinal Artery Syndrome Posted for Inguinal Hernioplsty.

Anterior spinal artery syndrome (ASAS) is a rare and permanent damage, caused as a neurological complication of spinal anesthesia. In this case study, we have given account of our experience of anesthetic management of a documented case of ASAS, posted for inguinal hernioplasty. We did a thorough pre-anesthetic evaluation and found that patient had paraplegia and confi ned to bed with aspiration pneumonitis. He is a known hypertensive and on control with tablet amlodipine 5 mg/day. He was subjected to antibiotic therapy, mucolytics with respiratory physiotherapy and incentive spirometry. After preparing the patient thoroughly, patient was subjected to general anesthesia. Post-operative analgesia was provided with injection fentanyl, given with a syringe pump. Post-operative period was uneventful.

Development and Validation of LC-APCI-MS Method for the Estimation of Ellagic acid in Fresh and Processed Fruit Products.

A rapid and simple LC/MS method has been developed for the quantification of ellagic acid in fresh and processed fruits. The interface used was Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionization technique. Analysis was performed using a Princeton SPHER C18 column (100 X 4.6 mm) by isocratic elution with 10 mM ammonium acetate: Acetonitrile (20:80) at a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min. The calibration plot was linear over the range studied (Ellagic acid: 80 – 1300 ng/ml) with a correlation of 0.999. The (M-H) peak of ellagic acid was identified at m/z of 302 in selective ion monitoring mode. Two fresh fruits and two processed fruit products were subjected to analysis by the developed method. The samples were found to contain ellagic acid in the range of 18.20 – 97.80 μg/10 gm of the products consumed. The method was also validated for the precision and recovery. Thus the method is suitable for routine analysis of ellagic acid in fresh and processed fruits.

Synthesis of quinolines and their In vitro antioxidant activities under solvent free conditions by using the SiO2-Zn-MgO as a novel and reusable catalyst.

The present study was aimed to determine a novel route of synthesis of quinolines and their in vitro antioxidant activities. Synthesis of quinolines is simple, economic, effective and an easy way process has been developed by using the SiO2–Zn-MgO as a novel catalyst. The quinolines antioxidative potential was evaluated using 1,1-Diphenyi-2-Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), superoxide radical, hydroxyl radical, and hydrogen peroxide radical assay by in vitro methods. Quinolines exhibited highest level of antioxidant activities, and therefore it could be used as antioxidant that may have potential benefits in health and disease management.

A Unique Human Rotavirus (non vaccine) G9P4 Genotype Infection in a Child with Gastroenteritis.

Group A Rotaviruses with serotypes G1-G4 and G9 are the common Rotavirus types of clinical importance. This study aimed at determining the different Rotavirus genotypes in stool sample of children below 5 years. A total of 300 children with acute gastroenteritis were tested for group specific VP6 antigen of group A Rotaviruses by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay. 47 of these samples were positive for Rotavirus antigen. Out of these, 20 positive samples were subjected to Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction for genotyping. The identified genotypes were G9P8, G1P8, G2P4, G9P4 (non-vaccine genotype), G1P6, and G1 (P types not identified in 5 samples).

Variant inferior root of ansa cervicalis / Variación de la raíz inferior del asa cervical

Ansa cervicalis is a loop of nerves found in the anterior wall of the carotid sheath in the carotid triangle of neck innervating infrahyoid muscles. Its superior root has fibres from the first cervical nerve that leaves the hypoglossal nerve and joins the inferior root formed by the branches from the second and third cervical nerves. The two roots join to form ansa cervicalis. The ansa cervicalis nerve formation is relatively complex, as its course and location along the great vessels of the neck vary. In the present case on the left side of an adult male cadaver the inferior root was absent and the contributions from C2 and C3 were joining independently with the superior root of ansa to form ansa cervicalis. However no such variation was found in the ansa cervicalis formation on the right side.

El asa cervical es un loop de nervios que se encuentra en la pared anterior de la vaina carotídea, en el triángulo carotídeo del cuello, que inerva los músculos infrahioideos. Su raíz superior tiene fibras del primer nervio cervical que sale del nervio hipogloso y se une a la raíz inferior formada por las ramas de los nervios cervicales segundo y tercero. Las dos raíces se unen para formar el asa cervical. La formación del asa cervical del nervio es relativamente compleja, ya que su curso y ubicación varía a lo largo de los grandes vasos del cuello. En el lado izquierdo del cuello de un cadáver adulto de sexo masculino, la raíz inferior del asa cervical estaba ausente y las contribuciones de los ramos de C2 y C3 se unieron, de forma independiente, con la raíz superior del asa y así formar el loop.

Dengue disease status in Chennai (2006-2008): A retrospective analysis.

Background & objectives: Dengue is one of the most important Arboviral diseases in man with outbreaks in Southeast Asia and India. We report a retrospective analysis of the dengue positivity in the referred samples for three years period (2006 to 2008) at the Department of Virology, King Institute of Preventive Medicine, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Methods: Serum samples from 1593 suspected cases (968 male and 625 female) were obtained. Of the 1593 cases screened, 1204 (75.5%) were paediatric cases and 389 (24.4%) adults. The samples were subjected to MAC ELISA and IgG ELISA. Results: Of the 968 patients, 686 (43.0%) were positive, of which 579 (84.0%) were in the paediatric age group (<14 yr) and 107 (15.5%) were adults. The IgM positivity being 356 (36.7%) in males and 330 (52.8%) in females. Of the 686 positives, 113 (16.47%) were positive for both IgM and IgG denoting secondary infection. There was a noticeable increased occurrence during the cooler months and during the monsoon and post-monsoon months. Interpretation & conclusions: The dengue IgM seropositivity among the suspected cases indicates active dengue virus activity. Increase in the probable secondary infections especially in a country like ours where multiple serotypes are prevalent raises concern over probable increase in the incidence of the more serious DHF/DSS. Studies need to be done to identify circulating serotypes of dengue virus to design preventive strategies.